Chapter Twenty Three: Let Me Help

I kicked my legs up and swung over the railing, going upside down. My hair hung over, and the ground became my sky.

"Mononoke! Stop doing that, before you fall off!", Sakura scolded, leaning over the metal railing to look at me worriedly.

I giggled giddily, tilting my head so I can see her face, "I'm not going to fall." But I sat up anyways, before she gets a heart attack. Naruto was beside me, trying to attempt the same stunt, but his hands were slippery and he knows it. He tilted over a few times but only manage at a, like what, forty five degrees? Then he'll shoot back up in fright.

Duckbutt was leaning against the rails opposite of the three of us, watching us clowns in our natural habitat, doing stupid stuff. Kakashi told me to gather the other three to meet him here, at the Konoha bridge. He told me he had a meeting to attend with the Hokage and other Jonin so he shooed me off. I was a little annoyed about falling on my face when he threw me out the window but forget it, whatever he says goes.

"Ah, so everyone's here. That's good.", I heard a familiar voice drawled and turned to look. "You're late!", Naruto and Sakura said angrily at the same time. I laughed at this, "So what's up?"

Kakashi took a few papers out and handed it to us, "These are application forms for the Chunin Exams." Each taking one, I gave mine a once over. Kakashi must've been stretching his neck out for us. For a Jonin to recommend their team, especially for a fresh Genin team, to take the exam so soon, his pride is on the line. I wonder if any other teams of our batch are enrolled too.

"But, sensei, isn't it a little too early for us to take the Chunin Exams now?", Sakura piped up nervously. A small waft of insecurity drifted to me. I tilted my head at her in wonder. Could it be she was unsure of herself?

Kakashi gave her an eye smile, "Well, you guys managed to go through a B-rank mission without much of a problem. I don't see why not." When his eye opened, he looked at her knowingly, "It's up to you whether or not you wish to take your exam. Report to the Hokage building at 3pm, two weeks from now if you wish to do so."

XXX

"Do you think we can still take the exam if Sakura doesn't want in?", I asked Kakashi as we walked to the cemetery. It's been a while since I met up with Rin so I brought Kakashi along before he rots himself in his house all day.

"Yes. After all, an average team needs three members. You, Sasuke and Naruto would definitely take up the challenge. It's Sakura I'm worried about.", Kakashi replied as he looked up at the sky, deep in thought. I bit my lip and looked away.

What's he so worried about anyway? Right, she's in the same team, green eye. You're worried about the pink fairy too, dumbass. Why so serious?

I felt Kakashi's hand on my head, "But the four of you always surprise me. Don't fret, scamp." My bottom lip protruded a little and I heard him chuckle. "Whatever am I going to do with you?", he teased and I stopped. He followed after, tilting his head curiously.

Looking up at him, I grinned, "Piggyback."

He just shook his head and laugh, "You'll be the death of me one day, Mononoke."

But he gave in to my childish wish and I got a free ride. Of course, I only act like a baby to Kakashi. I wouldn't do this to anyone and I sure as hell wouldn't want anyone to see me like this. Over my dead body. But we were taking a quiet route, where there isn't many people passing through.

"So did anyone else put in their teams?", I asked, playing with Kakashi's hair. "Yeah. Asuma and Kurenai put in their teams as well. So did Gai." Excited by the news, I leaned over his shoulder to look at him, grinning widely, "For real?! That means Shika's team and Kiba's team is coming along!"

Kakashi chuckled, "You would be happy."

"Of course," I draped my arms over his chest, letting them swing freely, "It means our teams are awesome enough to get promoted to Chunin so fast!"

"Don't let it get to your head, scamp. It doesn't work that way.", Kakashi scolded gently. I puffed out my cheeks a little, "It doesn't hurt to dream a little." We have reached the cemetery by now. As Kakashi lowered me down, I tugged his hand, walking briskly to meet Rin.

"Rin-san!", I called as I sat in front of her tombstone. The ice rose still remained but the colour was slowly fading. I brushed my hands across it and it became as vibrant as a fresh flower. "Kakashi signed us up for the Chunin Exams, how cool is that?!", I told her, patting the stone.

I felt Kakashi standing behind me as he looked down with sad eyes. I smiled at him, hoping to cheer him up. He returned his gratitude with a slight upturn of his visible eye.

He began to talk. Not of the present, because I did that already; not of the future, because it was still uncertain; but of the past. The past that he always apologized for. But today was different. Kakashi's overall scent began to roll a little downhill. The scent of guilt was stronger. Uncertain, I stood up and wrapped my arms around him.

But instead of standing beside him as usual, I pressed my face into his chest. I could literally feel his heart breaking as he stroked my hair.

It's coming.

XXXXX

I couldn't sleep again that night. I had returned to the Nara household, but another nightmare managed to wrenched me awake. Waking up in cold sweat, I rubbed my arms and neck. It wasn't my usual nightmares this time. I was sure of it but I couldn't remember what it was about.

Groaning, I scribbled a note and left it on my bed for Shika to find. I have a strange feeling that I won't be returning to my bed for a few days. Sneaking out of the house yet again, I decided where I should go.

Then, I smelled it again.

The dark angry sand.

I smiled and let my body lead me to him. A few leaps and bounds later, I found myself coming back to the same spot I met Gaara. Pouncing up, I landed in the same manner as before. But this time, Gaara was waiting for me. I could sense it, in his scent and his body language.

"So, did the kitty bring you any trouble?", I asked as I settled near him. I didn't want to make him uncomfortable so I sat in the same distance as two people would be in between us.

"No."

Oh, praise the heavens! He's talking!

But I had a hunch he wanted to ask me something. So I let him take the reins this time and waited.

"Why are you here?", he said finally after a few minutes. He seemed unsure, which must be an alien feeling to him, the way he asked me. I hummed as I pondered, my feet swaying from side to side. "Well, I couldn't sleep, and I've found someone to accompany me.", I tilted my head at him, smiling warmly, "After all, it must be hard for you to sleep in a new place, isn't it?"

He continued watching me, reluctant to continue. I grinned and turned away, looking back at the moon, which was full now. There was a strangeness in the air tonight. Perhaps its the bloodthirsty scent rolling from Gaara.

"I've always had nightmares. They're always haunting me, their voices echoing in the darkness.", I decided, before turning to him, "It's like they're dragging me into hell sometimes. But whenever I wake up, someone is always there to pull me into the light." Then, I leaned closer, looking into his eyes. That's when I realized that I was wrong before.

He did have light inside those dead teal eyes. A very brilliant one. But it was hidden inside him. Did he did it to himself? Or is it because of other reasons? The possibilities are endless.

But now that I've seen the twinkle, I will stop at nothing to take him out of there. His soul was screaming for release from the darkness. I could feel it from the very chill of my bones. It was a strong feeling.

"Gaara?", I whispered softly and he stiffened. Suddenly sand began to slide from the gourd, slowly moving towards me. I readied myself, frost vibrating through the air, although not fully formed. But it wasn't hostile. The sand floated around me, as if it wasn't quite sure what to do. To kill or not to kill.

"Gaara, let me be your light."

It was as if time stopped.

Everything froze. His eyes widened considerably, unable to register what I said. I smiled and tilted my head, "If you let me, I want to be your friend."

He was as still as a statue, it was as if he didn't dare to breathe. He didn't speak. But I waited for his response.

But it was as if Fate was being a prick. I gasped at the sudden twinge in my heart. Despair flowed into me and I shivered, not from the cold but from the sorrow in wrecking in my soul. I toppled forward but the sand steadied me with a gentle embrace. I coughed and shuddered a little.

Kakashi.

Now I'm given a critical choice. Gaara, who's in front of me with a bright soul stuck in darkness, or Kakashi, who I know is in a terrible position now. I didn't know what do.

Something grainy touched my face and I looked up to see Gaara watching me with an unreadable expression. A hand formed from the sand and brushed my hair from my face. That's when I had to make my choice.

"Gaara," I started, licking my lips, "There's someone very close to my heart who needs me right now. I really do want to be your friend but I have to leave now. Forgive me." I raised my palm towards him and an ice sculpture began to morph. Gaara blinked before reaching to take the little blue snowflake. "I'll find you soon, I promise.", I told him as he looked back at me with clear eyes.

I forced a smile before nudging the sand delicately and it parted. Giving Gaara once last smile, I leaped away in a hurry, making a bee line to my first home.

XXX

"Kakashi?", I called softly, knocking the door. There was no answer. I felt my heart still as I slipped the secret compartment Kakashi and I devised beside the door opened and took the key. Unlocking the knob, I let myself in.

The house was dark. Everything was quiet. The living quarters were immaculate and everything seemed relatively normal.

But that was all on the surface. I felt the desperation from him inside.

I strained myself, trying to get a scent, a sound, something to tell me that he's still here. I couldn't get a smell, curse my nose, but I managed to pick up a faint movement with my ears. Slowly, silently, I passed the familiar walls and went to the bedroom.

And there he was.

Kakashi's head hung over his shoulders as he leaned against the bed. Gunmetal grey hair glistened slightly in the moonlight. I don't think he even bathe today. Walking closer, I felt my heart break when I knelt down in front of him.

"Kashi?", I called under my breath as I lifted his chin up slightly. His eyes were dull and hooded. Not a single word more, I pulled him into an embrace. He didn't even resist, as if he became a doll. I rested his forehead against my collarbone, he remained there, unmoving.

He didn't push me away. That's a good sign. I hugged him closer, my arms going around his neck and I let him bury his face into my neck.

Then we stayed there, still and frozen. I could feel his heartbeat pulsing in a heavy rhythm, his breaths slow.

I didn't understand these times of the year when I was younger but I always loved Kakashi and wanted him to be happy. He was always so strong and caring, and he was always there when I needed him. But no one is perfect and everyone has their breaking point.

The first time I saw him like this, I was broken-hearted. So I did, in all my tiny four year old poofcake power, to make him happy. I gave him hugs and tried my best to make him smile by doing all sorts of silly things. It worked, partially, and when the period began to wear off, I thought everything would be all alright.

When I got older, year after year, I realized that Kakashi would, at some point in a year, break down. He became utterly useless, unable to do much but mope around. He would sink into silence, as he tries to push everyone away. Well, everyone except me. I would always insist to stay by his side until his depressive period wears off. Which does at some point.

Not many people know of this, save a few. Gai-san definitely does, as do the Hokage. Asuma and Kurenai suspected it somehow.

"Mononoke, leave. You aren't supposed to see me like this.", Kakashi said, weakly pushing me away. I scowled and held him by his shoulders, looking at him in the eye defiantly, "I am not leaving your side. And I never will." He shook his head, resisting tiredly, "No, no... You need to train. You'll be having your Chunins Exams soon... I can't let you-"

I pulled him into my arms once more, "It's okay, Kakashi. I'm here now. Just let me be here with you." Rubbing his back, I rubbed my face into his hair, breathing in, "I'm not going anywhere."

He was silent after that.

A few heartbeats later, I felt his hands going to the small of my back, pulling my closer. He didn't shiver much, but I felt the teardrops falling on my skin.

Kakashi was exhausted after letting it out so I dragged him to the bed. I pulled the covers to his neck, tucking him in. He was watching me with droopy eyes the whole time. After putting him to bed, I walked off to the bathroom and wet a towel. He needs to get cleaned up one way or another.

When I got back, his eyes were closed. Sitting beside him, I helped washed his face with the towel. He was still wearing his mask so I began to pull it down. His eye shot open instinctively and he relaxed slightly when I smiled at him. He allowed me to tug the mask down and I continued wiping the towel across his face and neck.

"I don't deserve you, scamp.", he said softly, lifting his hand out of the covers to touch my face. I leaned down and pressed my forehead against his, grinning, "I don't deserve you either. So we're even."

He just watched me as I lifted away and gave a final swish with the towel. Well, that's it. I can't exactly wipe the rest of him.

I threw the towel on a chair nearby before settling on the bed. Kakashi lifted his arm, creating a cave with the blanket and I rolled in. Closing the mouth of the cave, Kakashi held me close like a bolster. I hugged him back, burying my face into his chest.

"Goodnight, Kakashi.", I said.

"Goodnight, scamp.", I felt my mouth twitched when I heard the smile in Kakashi's voice.

XXXXXX

The rest of the next few days were the same. I tended to Kakashi, who would randomly break down and cry in this period. I tried my best to comfort him, but it was also emotionally draining to see him like this. Sometimes, it was quiet sobbing, others times would be incomprehensible babbling over past mistakes.

Kakashi had went through a lot of tough times, Gai once told me. He lost his mother at such a young age, his dad committed suicide in front of his eyes and he watched his teammates die in different ways. No one knew his pain. How could they? And yet, he always seemed so calm and sure of himself, and he managed to move on. That's why, in my eyes, Kakashi is always the best shinobi there is. No one could equal him, in strength, in ways physical, emotional and mental. And why I love and respect the Copy Ninja so.

That's why I have to help him through his pain. He was always there, and it was during these times could I ever repay him.

I took the chance when Kakashi was asleep to do some grocery shopping. I got a few packets of instant miso and an eggplant. Frankly, I only knew how to cook miso eggplant soup because Kakashi liked it. One of his favourite food actually, and his comfort food. The neighbouring kind old lady taught me the how to's.

I remember how pleasantly surprised Kakashi was when he came back home to find me wearing an oversized apron over my six year old body, holding a bowl of soup. I forced myself to learn so he could have a decent home-cooked meal once in a while.

Smiling at the memory, I grabbed a few drinks I knew he preferred. And some junk food to snack on. I guess that's it then. Looking down at my basket, I frowned. I swear I forgotten something but I don't know what.

"Hey.", a voice called me and I turned. Duckbutt was standing beside me, his face still set in gloom mode. I smiled weakly, "Morning, Duckbutt. Nice to see you up and at it today." He gave me a once over and I noticed a small frown on his face, "We're going to have the Chunin Exams soon."

I looked down at myself. A crumpled oversized shirt (which belongs to Kakashi, by the way. I ran out of clothes.), short pants and I had mismatched shoes on. On top of that, I came out with dishevelled hair. I probably look like a beggar. I sighed and rubbed my face, "Let's just say I got up on the wrong side of the bed."

Trying to change the subject, I looked over to him, "So what're you doing here this fine morning?" He raised his own basket, a few boxes of tomatoes and some other foodstuff.

I wrinkled my nose at the sight of the tomatoes. Kiba had tricked me once into thinking a tomato was a peach, and from that day on, I called the fruit the 'Fruit of Lies'. Sure, it wasn't the tomato's fault but it was a traumatic experience.

"Ah. Someone's very healthy.", I said, smiling a little. He grunted before speaking again, jutting his chin at the direction at my hand, "Are you done?" I blinked in surprise and nodded, "Yeah, pretty much."

Suddenly, Duckbutt took my own basket of stuff and began walking to the counter faster than I can blink. "Hey, give that back!", I snapped, following him, but he ignored me as he heaped the two baskets to the cashier.

"You paid for our lunch that day. I'm just returning the favour.", he replied tartly before handing out the cash. I stopped, standing there and watched him pack the stuff into bags. What just happened? Is he being nice? Is the sky going to fall today? Or is it a blue moon tonight? Where did he get that money though? I don't remember getting paid that much for the last mission.

Apparently, my mind must have stopped working but it began cranking when someone behind the line called for me to move. I quickly followed Duckbutt, who was already on the street.

"Hey, wait up!"

He stopped, waiting for me to catch up. I leaned against him, my arm on his shoulder and panted, "Wrong way." Duckbutt looked over at me, "You live with the Nara, don't you?" Oh, so he did listen in on the gossips. Unless you were part of the gossip gang, you wouldn't know I lived with the Nara. Busybody Duckybutt.

I nodded, catching my breath, "Yeah, but I'm at Kakashi's for the time being." Duckbutt gave me a look, waiting for me to explain. I sighed and took the bags with my stuff inside, but he wouldn't let me. I tugged but his hold was like steel.

Sighing, I tilted my head at him, trying to convince him, "Kakashi's place is in the total opposite direction from the Uchiha village. I'll be fine."

He didn't reply as he started off to my first home. I threw my arms in the air and groaned, "Are you always going to insist on something without an explanation?"

"You'd probably fall on your face halfway there.", was his kind reply.

"Would not!", I snapped and trailed after him. He gave me a dirty look. I knew what he was getting on at. I always did have a feeling what the Uchiha wants. Didn't know why, but with Duckbutt, it's like he communicates with body language like an Inuzuka. Maybe he's part Inuzuka, you never know. I deal with my fantasies at my own risk.

"Kakashi's... not in a good shape. That's why I'm taking care of him.", I explained before wrinkling my nose at him, "Can I have my things back?"

"No."

I rolled my eyes and followed. That's when I heard high pitched voices.

Oh corkscrews.

"Quick, hide!", I seethed and pushed the Uchiha into an alleyway. He was slightly startled but I was pretty strong for my size. Making him sit down against the wall, I pressed myself beside him, one arm protectively placed against his chest.

A group of girls around our age passed us by, oblivious that the subject of their conversation was sitting right beside a rubbish bin three feet away. I heard Duckbutt's quickened breath and I pressed my back against him, trying to calm him down. With those kind of girls around, who wouldn't freak out in their presence? I actually pitied Duckbutt now. I don't think I can stand herds of hormone filled boys chasing after me every time they get a whiff of my lordly presence.

But of course, they just had to stand at the mouth of the alley. Of course. It's definitely the best place to talk whether 'Sasuke-kun's' cute butt. One of them sounded strangely like Misaki though.

"Ugh, and to think forehead girl and the clanless freak would be in the same team as him." Okay, that's definitely Misaki. I felt Duckbutt tense under me when she said it. Strange. He had the same reaction smell Shika did before when she called me that.

Truth be told, now that I know I'm from the Yorukami clan (as weird as that may be. I mean, it's not everyday you wake up and realize you actually belong somewhere), I'm actually quite alright still being labelled as 'clanless'. Makes other people confused. It's funnier that way. And mysterious.

"Hey, have you heard? Their team got into the Chunin Exams.", someone whispered. I have a feeling Naruto had got something to do with that gossip. But thankfully, they began to walk away with all their whiny voices.

Once I was sure they were gone, I grabbed Duckbutt's hand and moved out. At the alleyway, I looked left and right to make sure. "Coast's clear.", I told him, turning to grin at him, his face was inches away from me, "Hn."

I can see someone is very grateful today.

When we finally got to Kakashi's unsuspected by fans, I almost breathe out in relief. So much drama in one morning in the life of Uchiha Pointy Head.

As we stood in front of the door, I leaned over to take my bags from the Uchiha, "Thanks for today, Duckbutt."

His grip was slightly tense. Sighing, I looked up at him sadly, "I don't think it's best for you to see Kakashi in his current state." Gently, I pried out my belongings from his hands. All the while, he was looking at me.

Just as I was about to take the key from my pocket, Duckbutt surprised me by touching my arm. I turned to him in confusion and he asked softly, "Have you been training lately?"

I wanted to make up a lie, but I decided against it. No point being dishonest right now. I shook my head. "Too much going on right now." I admitted. He nodded before lifting his hand away, "When he gets better, you can come train with me. It'll be easier for you to catch up."

It took me four blinks to understand what he meant but he's already turned away and gone.

I released a breath I had no idea I was holding before turning back to the door. Maybe his offer is considerable. Besides, it would be fun to train with him. He's from a powerhouse clan anyway. Clicking open the lock, I let myself in.

Kakashi was walking around the living room restlessly, the blanket was around his shoulders trailing behind him as he paced. When he saw me, he relaxed as he skittered to me, "Where did you go? You had me worried sick!"

I lifted the bags and grinned, happy to see him moving again, "Got you some stuff. Go on back to bed, I'll get you something." But he didn't listen to me. Instead, he followed me into the pantry and sat in a corner watching me arrange everything. When I was done, I got his favourite fruit juice and walked over to him, "Come on, big guy. Story time."

Accepting the juice as delicate as a child, the overgrown baby followed me into his room. He sat on the bed, getting comfortable, as I walked over to the bookshelves. Sometimes its neat and tidy, sometimes it looks like a warzone, depending on the man on the bed's mood. I took one of his favourites, besides the Icha Icha, since its a forbidden book to me, and went to join him on the bed.

Settling in on the head of the bead, Kakashi snuggled his head on my lap as I plucked the bookmark from its place and began to read aloud.

This was a small routine I did with him when his down period struck while I was a child. But I read my favourite books because I was still a kid, but he liked it. It helped soothe him so I always did it.

As I continued reading, I felt Kakashi's body relaxed considerably as he listened.

But as I was reading, I felt something dripping on my lap and peeked down. Tears fell from Kakashi's closed eyes silently. But I didn't point it out and continued.

I exhaled softly, closing the book. I finished a few chapters already and was getting parched. I looked down to excuse myself but kept quiet. Kakashi's worn out again and fell asleep. At least I thought he was. I moved his head from my lap to a pillow, hoping he would get more comfortable. Just as I was about to get up, I felt a strong hand holding mine.

"Stay."

Kakashi's unscarred eye peeked through, looking at me. I smiled and agreed. Forget about water, I calmed my parched throat by melting ice in my tongue. It's little help but it's something. Settling down beside him, I pulled the covers to wrap him up into a roll. Then I looked into his eye as he looked into mine. Pushing his silly bangs away from his face, I asked softly, "Hungry?"

He shook his head.

"Want some water?"

Shook his head again.

I sighed and hugged the Kakashi roll, "Alright."

"It's the wrong time for me to be like this, isn't it?", I heard him groaned and looked up.

Kakashi's eye was so sad and torn, I couldn't help but feel the same way. "Don't be silly. There's no such thing as a wrong time. It comes when it comes.", I insist and he shook his head, his hand coming out of the roll. A strong arm wrapped around me, holding me tighter. "But you need to get ready for the Exams...", he said and pressed his lips against my hairline.

I snorted, "Seriously, when did I ever leave you like this? Roll the Exams, you're more important than that."

"I'm so sorry I'm being such a burden to you...", he said again, his voice heavy with guilt. I looked up at him and frowned, "Burden or not, you're my Kakashi. And I'm going to take care of you!"

He chuckled a little at this, poking my nose, "'Your' Kakashi?" I felt my cheeks heat up in realization at my comment and quickly buried my face into the blanket, hiding my face. I heard his laughter poked through a little as he ruffled my hair.

"Thanks, scamp."

"You're welcomed.", I muffled through the soft cloth of the blanket. Suddenly, I shot up, remembering something.

"We're out of peaches!" I wriggled my way out of his embrace, "I can't believe I forgot it just now!"

Frantic, I tripped over a shirt. I couldn't hold my balance and fell face first.

"Agh, dammit. That hurt.", I complained. Some ninja.

Suddenly, I heard a soft sound. It sounded like a snort, and it began to grow into a chuckle, before going into a soft laughter. I poked my head up curiously. And there I saw Kakashi laughing, his arm propped up as he tried to sober himself.

I felt my face relaxed with relief and joy.

He's laughing again!

Not able to rationalize anymore, I leaped into the bed, hugging him tightly. He laughed as he held the squirming, wiggly body in his arms. "Silly scamp."

XXXX

Although he wasn't any better, Kakashi managed to convince me he's getting there and I really should train. I insisted to stay by his side stubbornly at first, but he made me guilty with all his pride is on the line and I needed to practice well enough if I want to protect my teammates and stuff.

So here I was.

"Ready whenever you are.", I called to Ducky. He nodded before throwing kunais in my direction. I mirrored him and the kunais struck each other before we leaped away.

I managed to get some extra help from the Uchiha. Because I was lithe and quicker than he is, already proving that fact with our fight with Haku, I decided to take up on his offer and throw him around. So I was trying to get him to match my speed, and he was trying to get me to match his strength. Sure, he wasn't as physically powerful as Kiba for the time being, but his ninjutsu was something else. Honestly, I usually would be at the Inuzuka's to train but Kiba was on a mission. Besides, to have the High and Mighty Uchiha ask me to train, why pass it up? I could learn to work better with him anyway, since we're the better fighters in our team.

So that's what we're doing right now.

"Read my movements, Uchiha! Focus!", I called out, somersaulting out of the way. I threw three ice kunais before appearing in another direction and throwing them again. He managed to deflect them, although one managed to hit his headband, causing him to lose balance.

I was beside him in a blink. Steadying him, I smirked, "You okay, kid?"

To my surprise, he smirked back, "Never better."

Then I felt the air movements behind me shifted. I glance back to see shurikens aiming at me. I lifted my hand at them, ice shurikens melting from my hand and striking the attacking shurikens.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

I turned around and grinned. Nice one. Colour melted from my body, leaving an ice statue which was being melted by the strength of the Fireball Jutsu. I trapped Duckbutt in a head lock, my legs around his waist.

"Gotcha."

He froze and I swear, he looked extremely flustered with me on his back like this. I found a weak spot on the grand prince! Seizing the chance, I snickered into his ear, "Uncomfortable, Uchiha?" He snorted before bending over in an arc, causing us to land on the ground. Well, at least he made sure I landed on my back, not my head. He could have broke my spine right then and there.

"Umpf!", I grunted as I landed under him. I thought he would rolled over or something but he remained on top of me, both of us sprawled on the ground.

"Get off, Uchiha, before I break your neck."

"I'd like to see you try."

I placed my hands on his neck and send a small shock of frost across his pale skin. He stiffened and sat up, but he turned his head and glared at me with a snort of disdain.

Shrugging, I grinned at him innocently, "You wanted me to try."

He rubbed his neck, trying to warm it, "How do you do that anyway?" I smiled at him as I adjusted myself so that we sat face-to-face. "Been doing that for as long as I can remember.", I replied before creating a small flurry to dance around us. He watched the frost drifted around expressionlessly.

Slowly, the frost melted into fishes and they swam around us. I peeked at him to see his reaction. Although his lips were still a thin line, his eyes sparkled a little. I felt my mouth twitched upwards. You never know what the special things the ice fishes bring.

One of the fishes drew closer to his face, inspecting him curiously. His hand raised hesitantly to touch it and it obliged, letting him run his fingers across it's silky back. Then it swam off to join its siblings. I stretched and fell back on the grass, "Let's take a break." Duckbutt made a grunt of agreement but he remain sitting up.

The fishes drifted around lazily and I poked them, smiling. My dear little cuties.

"Mononoke?"

I lifted my head slightly in surprise. It was rare for him to call me by my name. One of the fishes was rubbing around his neck as he watched me. He seemed different now. I could smell a positive energy coming from the boy. It's almost like-

"...Thank you."

I gave him a smile. "Anytime, Ducky."

XXXX

OH HO. OH HO HO HO HO HO. MERRY CHRISTMAS. Ahahaha.

So I kind of stripped Kakashi apart... Not sure how I feel about it. He's adorable and everything but I mean, nobody's perfect and we all have a weakness. So I decided to delve a little deeper into our favourite sensei. And some more quiet moments before the Chunin Exams. It's a pretty big deal anyway. (I kinda miss Kiba though. Mono didn't get to do much with her bestie anymore since they're in different teams and everything.)

And Mononoke's own story would be reveal later. I mean, going through Kishimoto's sensei plot is kinda a rite of passage, you get what I mean? So I thought maybe Mono's plotline will come later in the future. So yeah. THINGS HAPPENED.

Fact#18: Mononoke controls ice the same manner as Gaara does with his sand. (Although his was bestowed by both his mother and Shukaku, and Mononoke's gift came from Gintaro.)